Faucet connection structure

Abstract

To provide a faucet connection structure capable of connecting two operation shafts, which are connected to be capable of transmitting power to each other, in a state where backlash is suppressed, even when the two operation shafts are passed through two cases that are pipe-connected to each other.SOLUTION: A faucet connection structure 1 comprises: a first operation shaft 3B rotationally operated by a switching handle 2; a second operation shaft 4B connected to the first operation shaft 3B; a tubular first case 3A through which the first operation shaft 3B passes in a pipe axial direction; and a tubular second case 4A through which the second operation shaft 4B passes in the pipe axis direction and which is connected to the first case 3A in the pipe axis direction. The first operation shaft 3B has a fitting cylinder part B1 that fits the second operation shaft 4B inside the cylinder in association with the pipe connection between the first case 3A and the second case 4A. The faucet connection structure 1 further has a set screw 6 that is inserted from an outer side in a pipe radial direction into a through-hole A6 formed in the second case 4A and a screw hole B2 formed in the fitting cylinder part B1, and is tightened so as to press against the second operation shaft 4B fitted in the fitting cylinder part B1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a faucet connection structure, and more particularly to a faucet connection structure having a first operating shaft that is rotated by an operating member, and a second operating shaft that is axially fitted with the first operating shaft. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a faucet connection structure that connects a first operating shaft, which is rotated by a faucet handle, to a second operating shaft on the output side so that the operating force can be transmitted. Specifically, the first operating shaft is serrated and fitted in the axial direction to the second operating shaft.

[0003] Furthermore, a set screw is inserted into the first operating shaft from the outside in the radial direction and tightened so that it presses against the second operating shaft on the inside. This tightening connects the first operating shaft to the second operating shaft with reduced play in the radial and rotational directions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4410358 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, if the first operating shaft and the second operating shaft are passed separately through respective tubular cases that are connected to each other, it becomes difficult to suppress play from outside the pipes after fitting. Therefore, the present invention provides a faucet connection structure that can connect two operating shafts that are connected to each other so that power can be transmitted, with play appropriately suppressed, even if the two operating shafts are passed separately through two tubular cases that are connected to each other. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the faucet connection structure of the present invention takes the following measures.

[0007] That is, the first invention of the present invention is a faucet connection structure having a first operating shaft that is rotated by an operating member and a second operating shaft that is engaged with the first operating shaft in the axial direction, comprising a tubular first case through which the first operating shaft passes in the axial direction of the pipe, a tubular second case through which the second operating shaft passes in the axial direction of the pipe and is connected to the first case in the axial direction of the pipe, a fitting cylindrical portion formed on one of the first operating shaft and the second operating shaft and for fitting the other into the inside of the tube in connection with the pipe connection between the first case and the second case, and a setscrew that is inserted from the outside in the pipe diameter direction into a through hole formed in the first case and / or the second case and a threaded hole formed in the fitting cylindrical portion, and is tightened into the threaded hole so as to be pressed against the other operating shaft engaged in the fitting cylindrical portion.

[0008] According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the first and second cases are connected to each other, the first and second operating shafts that pass through these pipes are fitted together in the axial direction. After this connection, a setscrew is passed from a through-hole formed in the first and / or second cases to a threaded hole in the fitting tubular portion and tightened so as to press against the other operating shaft fitted into the fitting tubular portion. This makes it possible to appropriately reduce radial and rotational play of the second operating shaft relative to the first operating shaft.

[0009] A second invention of the present invention is a faucet connection structure according to the first invention, further comprising a quick fastener that connects the first case and the second case together so that they are integral with each other in the pipe axis direction.

[0010] According to the second invention, even if the first case and the second case are connected by placing a quick fastener between their outer peripheries, the first operating shaft and the second operating shaft that are fitted together inside these pipes can be appropriately prevented from rattle by a set screw inserted from outside the pipes.

[0011] The third invention of the present invention is a faucet connection structure in which, in the second invention described above, the through hole and the screw hole are formed at a position offset in the pipe axial direction from the installation position of the quick fastener.

[0012] According to the third aspect of the present invention, even after the first case and the second case have been connected to the pipes by attaching the quick fastener, the setscrew can be inserted from outside the pipe and easily tightened into the threaded hole.

[0013] The fourth invention of the present invention is a faucet connection structure in which, in any of the first to third inventions above, the first case is set so that it is passed through an attachment hole formed in the faucet counter for fixing the first case from the front side of the counter, and the second case is connected to the first case by a pipe on the back side of the faucet counter.

[0014] According to the fourth invention, even in an environment where workability is poor, such as when connecting the first case and the second case behind the counter of a faucet counter, it is possible to easily and appropriately suppress the play between the first operating shaft and the second operating shaft that are fitted together within these pipes.

[0015] The fifth invention of the present invention is a faucet connection structure in which, in any of the first to third inventions above, the first case and the second case are positioned so that the rotational positions of the through hole and the screw hole are aligned by aligning the first case and the second case in the pipe axis direction by fitting a key formed on one of them into a key groove formed on the other.

[0016] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, by aligning the first case and the second case to the position where the pipes are to be connected, the positions of the through holes and the screw holes can also be aligned, making the connection work easier and more reliable. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a faucet connection structure according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 2 as seen from below. [Figure 4] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view passing through the center of the axis showing the state in which the first case is set in the mounting hole of the faucet counter. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the second case is abutted against the first case from below. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the first case and the second case are pipe-connected with a quick fastener. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the set screw is inserted to suppress play. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] First Embodiment (Schematic configuration of faucet connection structure 1) First, the configuration of a faucet connection structure 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. In the following description, when directions such as front, back, top, bottom, left, and right are indicated, they refer to the directions shown in each figure.

[0020] The directions shown in each figure are those seen by a user standing in front of the faucet connection structure 1 according to this embodiment. In the following description, if no specific reference figure is given or if no reference figure has a corresponding symbol, reference will be made to any of Figures 1 to 7 as appropriate. In addition, in the following description, the terms "pipe axis direction" and "axial direction" refer to the same direction.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the faucet connection structure 1 according to this embodiment has a structure in which an operating unit 3 connected to the base of a switching handle 2 installed on a faucet counter T is connected to a device unit 4 installed on the underside (behind the counter) of the faucet counter T. The switching handle 2 has a rotary handle structure that switches between discharging hot and cold water and stopping the water flow from a water outlet pipe (not shown) installed on the faucet counter T. Here, the switching handle 2 corresponds to the "operating member" of the present invention.

[0022] 2 and 3, the operating unit 3 has a cylindrical first case 3A that is set so as to be passed from above (the front side of the counter) through a mounting hole T1 formed in the faucet counter T, and a first operating shaft 3B that is passed through the pipe of the first case 3A in the pipe axis direction. The device unit 4 has a cylindrical second case 4A that is connected to the first case 3A from below, and a second operating shaft 4B that is passed through the pipe of the second case 4A in the pipe axis direction and connected to the first operating shaft 3B.

[0023] 4, the first operating shaft 3B is assembled to the first case 3A so as to be rotatable about its tube axis center. More specifically, the first operating shaft 3B is assembled to the first case 3A so as to be integral with the first case 3A in the tube axis direction and the tube diameter direction.

[0024] The base of the switching handle 2 is integrally assembled to the upper shaft end of the first operating shaft 3B. As a result, when the switching handle 2 is rotated, the first operating shaft 3B is rotated integrally with the switching handle 2 around the tube axis center of the first case 3A. The first operating shaft 3B is shaped to extend downward further than the first case 3A.

[0025] The first case 3A is inserted from above into the mounting hole T1 of the faucet counter T, and the mounting seat A1, which protrudes like a flange from its outer periphery, is set in a state where it is grounded on the top plate of the faucet counter T. After this assembly, a lock nut (not shown) is screwed onto the outer periphery from below the faucet counter T and tightened to the bottom plate of the faucet counter T, thereby fixing the first case 3A integrally to the faucet counter T.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 2, the device unit 4 is configured to include a cartridge (not shown) that can switch between hot and cold water discharge and cold water stop for a water discharge pipe (not shown). The second operating shaft 4B is configured as a stopper rod that extends upward (axially) from the axial center of the cartridge (not shown). The second case 4A is configured as a housing that surrounds the upper part of the cartridge (not shown).

[0027] The second operating shaft 4B is assembled to the second case 4A so as to be rotatable around the tube axis center. More specifically, the second operating shaft 4B is assembled to the second case 4A so as to be integral with the second case 4A in the tube axis direction and the tube diameter direction.

[0028] Between the second operating shaft 4B and the second case 4A, an annular gap is formed into which the fitting cylindrical portion B1 formed on the lower shaft end of the first operating shaft 3B can be fitted in the tube axial direction. As shown in Fig. 3, the fitting cylindrical portion B1 is formed in a tubular shape that extends concentrically with the first operating shaft 3B in the axial direction. The fitting cylindrical portion B1 has a cylindrical outer circumferential surface and a D-shaped cylindrical inner circumferential surface.

[0029] 2, a D-shaped cylindrical portion B3 extending axially concentrically is integrally joined to the upper shaft end of the second operating shaft 4B. The D-shaped cylindrical portion B3 is formed in a D-shaped cylindrical shape that can be fitted into the D-shaped cylindrical fitting portion B1 of the first operating shaft 3B.

[0030] 5, the second operating shaft 4B is connected to the first operating shaft 3B in a state where they are substantially integral in the rotational direction by fitting the fitting cylindrical portion B1 of the first operating shaft 3B axially into the D-shaped cylindrical portion B3 at the tip of the second operating shaft 4B. As a result, when the first operating shaft 3B is turned by the switching handle 2, the second operating shaft 4B receives the operating force transmitted from the first operating shaft 3B and is rotated.

[0031] Rotation of the second operating shaft 4B operates a cartridge (not shown) at the end of the shaft to switch between hot and cold water discharge and cold water stop. Strictly speaking, the second operating shaft 4B and the first operating shaft 3B are fitted together in such a way that a slight play in the rotational direction can occur between them, due to a gap setting that ensures the fit between the D-shaped cylindrical portion B3 and the fitting cylindrical portion B1.

[0032] The second case 4A is aligned with the first case 3A in the pipe connection position by abutting the connection seat A4, which protrudes like a flange from the upper connection end of the second case 4A, against the connection seat A2, which protrudes like a flange from the lower connection end of the first case 3A in the pipe axial direction. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, the second case 4A is aligned with the first case 3A in the pipe circumferential direction by fitting a key A5, which protrudes upward from a part of the connection seat A4 in the pipe circumferential direction, into a corresponding concave key groove A3 formed in the connection seat A2 of the first case 3A shown in Fig. 3.

[0033] Here, the second case 4A in which the key A5 is formed corresponds to "one side" of the present invention. The first case 3A in which the key groove A3 is formed corresponds to "the other side" of the present invention. The first operating shaft 3B in which the fitting cylindrical portion B1 is formed corresponds to "one side" of the present invention. The second operating shaft 4B corresponds to "the other side" of the present invention.

[0034] 5, when the second case 4A abuts against the first case 3A in the tube axis direction, the D-shaped cylindrical portion B3 at the tip of the second operating shaft 4B is fitted into the cylindrical fitting portion B1 of the first operating shaft 3B. At this time, the rotational positioning of the D-shaped cylindrical portions of the first operating shaft 3B and the second operating shaft 4B to fit together can be easily performed by fine adjustment by turning the switching handle 2.

[0035] More specifically, by aligning the switching handle 2 in advance with a predetermined rotational position (water stop position) relative to the first case 3A, the fitting cylindrical portion B1 at the tip of the first operating shaft 3B is fitted into the D-shaped cylindrical portion B3 of the second operating shaft 4B as the first case 3A and the second case 4A butt against each other. If the fitting positions of the D-shaped cylindrical portions of the first operating shaft 3B and the second operating shaft 4B are misaligned during the assembly stage or due to an error in installation, the fitting positions can be adjusted by fine-tuning the switching handle 2.

[0036] After the connecting seat A4 of the second case 4A abuts against the connecting seat A2 of the first case 3A, an open-ring-shaped quick fastener 5 is attached to the abutting point of the connecting seats A4, A2, as shown in Fig. 6, thereby fixing the second case 4A in a pipe-connected state to the first case 3A. The quick fastener 5 is pressed against the outer periphery of the first case 3A and the outer periphery of the second case 4A over a wide range in the pipe circumferential direction, and is attached so as to sandwich the connecting seats A2, A4 in the pipe axial direction.

[0037] As a result, the second case 4A is connected to the first case 3A while being aligned in the tube axial direction, the tube radial direction, and the tube circumferential direction, respectively. Therefore, this connection connects the second case 4A and the first case 3A integrally with each other, and also connects the internal second operating shaft 4B and the first operating shaft 3B so that rotational operating force can be transmitted to each other.

[0038] Furthermore, by the above-mentioned pipe connection, the round threaded hole B2 formed to penetrate the fitting cylindrical portion B1 of the first operating shaft 3B in the cylindrical direction in the pipe diameter direction and the round through hole A6 formed to penetrate the second case 4A in the pipe diameter direction are aligned so as to face each other in the pipe diameter direction. Therefore, next, the setscrew 6 is inserted into the through hole A6 from the outside in the pipe diameter direction and screwed into the threaded hole B2 beyond it.

[0039] 7, the setscrew 6 is tightened so as to press it against the flat surface (the surface opposite the curved surface of the D) of the D-shaped cylindrical portion B3 of the second operating shaft 4B exposed at the end of the screw hole B2, thereby closing the gap in the cylindrical diameter direction between the D-shaped cylindrical portion B3 of the second operating shaft 4B and the fitting cylindrical portion B1 of the first operating shaft 3B.

[0040] More specifically, by tightening the setscrew 6, the curved D-shaped surface of the D-shaped cylindrical portion B3 of the second operating shaft 4B is pressed against the curved D-shaped surface of the fitting cylindrical portion B1 of the first operating shaft 3B to eliminate any play. As a result, the second operating shaft 4B and the first operating shaft 3B are connected together with zero play in both the radial and rotational directions.

[0041] The through hole A6 through which the set screw 6 is passed is formed in a position that is downward (in the pipe axis direction) away from the position on the second case 4A where the quick fastener 5 is attached. Therefore, even when the quick fastener 5 is attached, the through hole A6 is not blocked, and the set screw 6 can be passed through after the second case 4A is pipe-connected to the first case 3A.

[0042] In this way, the faucet connection structure 1 can easily and appropriately suppress play between the first operating shaft 3B and the second operating shaft 4B that are fitted together within these pipes, even in an environment where workability is poor, such as when connecting the first case 3A and the second case 4A on the back side of the faucet counter T.

[0043] To summarize the above, the faucet connection structure 1 according to the first embodiment has the following configuration: Note that the reference numerals in parentheses below correspond to the respective components shown in the above embodiment.

[0044] That is, the faucet connection structure (1) has a first operating shaft (3B) that is rotated by the operating member (2), and a second operating shaft (4B) that is axially fitted with the first operating shaft (3B). The faucet connection structure (1) also has a tubular first case (3A) through which the first operating shaft (3B) passes in the axial direction, and a tubular second case (4A) through which the second operating shaft (4B) passes in the axial direction and is connected to the first case (3A) in the axial direction.

[0045] The faucet connection structure (1) also has a fitting tubular portion (B1) formed on one (3B) of the first operating shaft (3B) and the second operating shaft (4B). The fitting tubular portion (B1) fits the other (4B) into the interior of the tube when the first case (3A) and the second case (4A) are connected together. The faucet connection structure (1) also has a setscrew (6) that is inserted from the outside in the pipe diameter direction into a through-hole (A6) formed in the first case (3A) and / or the second case (4A) and a threaded hole (B2) formed in the fitting tubular portion (B1). The setscrew (6) is tightened into the threaded hole (B2) so as to be pressed against the other (4B) fitted into the fitting tubular portion (B1).

[0046] According to the above configuration, when the first case 3A and the second case 4A are connected to each other, the first operating shaft 3B and the second operating shaft 4B, which are inserted through these pipes, are fitted together in the axial direction. After this connection, the setscrew 6 is passed through the through-hole A6 formed in the first case 3A and / or the second case 4A and into the threaded hole B2 of the fitting cylindrical portion B1, and then tightened so as to press against the other operating shaft 4B fitted into the fitting cylindrical portion B1. This makes it possible to appropriately reduce radial and rotational play of the second operating shaft 4B relative to the first operating shaft 3B.

[0047] The faucet connection structure (1) further includes a quick fastener (5) that connects the first case (3A) and the second case (4A) together in the pipe axial direction so that they are integral with each other. According to the above configuration, even if the first case (3A) and the second case (4A) are connected by covering their outer peripheries with the quick fastener (5), the first operating shaft (3B) and the second operating shaft (4B) that are fitted together inside these pipes can be appropriately prevented from rattle by a set screw (6) that is inserted from outside the pipe.

[0048] Furthermore, the through hole A6 and the threaded hole B2 are formed at a position axially offset from the installation position of the quick fastener 5. According to the above configuration, even after the first case 3A and the second case 4A are connected to each other by installing the quick fastener 5, the set screw 6 can be easily inserted from outside the pipe and tightened into the threaded hole B2.

[0049] Furthermore, the first case (3A) is set so as to be passed through a mounting hole (T1) formed in the faucet counter (T) for fixing the first case (3A) from the front side of the counter. The second case (4A) is connected to the first case (3A) by a pipe on the back side of the faucet counter (T). With the above configuration, even in an environment where it is difficult to connect the first case (3A) and the second case (4A) on the back side of the faucet counter (T), it is possible to easily and appropriately suppress play between the first operating shaft (3B) and the second operating shaft (4B) that are fitted together within these pipes.

[0050] Furthermore, the first case 3A and the second case 4A are positioned such that the through hole A6 and the threaded hole B2 are aligned in the rotational direction by fitting the key A5 formed on one of them 4A into the key groove A3 formed on the other case 3A in the pipe axial direction. According to the above configuration, by aligning the first case 3A and the second case 4A in the pipe connection position, the through hole A6 and the threaded hole B2 can be aligned. Therefore, the connection work can be performed more easily and reliably.

[0051] Other Embodiments Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be embodied in various forms as described below in addition to the above embodiment.

[0052] 1. The faucet connection structure of the present invention can be applied to faucets installed on the interior walls of buildings such as living rooms, dining rooms, corridors, and entrance halls, as well as on the exterior walls and outdoor walls of buildings, in addition to general plumbing facilities such as kitchens and bathrooms.

[0053] 2. The operating member that rotates the first operating shaft may be a switching handle that switches between stopping and starting the water discharge, or a temperature control handle that adjusts the temperature of the hot or cold water that is discharged.The operating member may also be a switching handle that switches the water discharge destination between a faucet and a shower.

[0054] 3. The pipe connection between the first case and the second case may be achieved by a quick fastener or a cap nut that engages with one case and screws onto the other case. The through-hole for inserting the set screw may be formed in the first case or the second case. Furthermore, when the first case and the second case are inserted into each other in the pipe axial direction and connected so that the pipe walls overlap, the through-hole may be formed so as to penetrate in the pipe diameter direction at the location where the pipe walls overlap.

[0055] 4. The fitting shape between the fitting cylindrical portion formed on one operating shaft and the other operating shaft fitted to this fitting cylindrical portion may be a D-shape, or may be a triangular, rectangular, hexagonal, or other irregular shape. They may also be serrated and fitted to each other. The fitting cylindrical portion may be formed on the second operating shaft and fitted with the first operating shaft in the axial direction. In this case, a screw hole is formed in the fitting cylindrical portion of the second operating shaft, and a setscrew is tightened so as to be pressed against the first operating shaft.

[0056] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1...Faucet connection structure, 2...Switching handle (operating member), 3...Operating part, 3A...First case (other side), A1...Mounting seat, A2...Connecting seat, A3...Key groove, 3B...First operating shaft (one side), B1...Fitting cylinder part, B2...Threaded hole, 4...Device part, 4A...Second case (one side), A4...Connecting seat, A5...Key, A6...Through hole, 4B...Second operating shaft (other side), B3...D-shaped cylinder part, 5...Quick fastener, 6...Set screw, T...Faucet counter, T1...Mounting hole

Claims

1. A water faucet connection structure having a first operating shaft that is rotated by an operating member and a second operating shaft that is axially fitted with the first operating shaft, a tubular first case through which the first operating shaft passes in the tube axis direction; a tubular second case through which the second operating shaft passes in the tube axis direction and which is connected to the first case in the tube axis direction; a fitting cylindrical portion formed on one of the first operating shaft and the second operating shaft, the fitting portion fitting the other of the first operating shaft and the second operating shaft into a cylindrical interior in response to a pipe connection between the first case and the second case; A faucet connection structure having a set screw that is inserted from the outside in the pipe diameter direction into a through hole formed in the first case and / or the second case and a threaded hole formed in the fitting cylindrical portion, and is tightened into the threaded hole so as to be pressed against the other case fitted into the fitting cylindrical portion.

2. The faucet connection structure according to claim 1, The faucet connection structure further includes a quick fastener that connects the first case and the second case together in the pipe axis direction so as to be integral with each other.

3. The faucet connection structure according to claim 2, A faucet connection structure in which the through hole and the screw hole are formed at a position offset in the pipe axis direction from the installation position of the quick fastener.

4. The faucet connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A faucet connection structure in which the first case is set so that it is passed through an attachment hole formed in the faucet counter for fixing the first case from the front side of the counter, and the second case is connected to the first case by a pipe on the back side of the faucet counter.

5. The faucet connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A faucet connection structure in which the first case and the second case are positioned such that the rotational positions of the through hole and the screw hole are aligned by aligning the first case and the second case in the pipe axis direction by fitting a key formed on one of them into a key groove formed on the other.

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